Three right-backs Man Utd should sign instead of Trippier

Updated: 4 Jan 2022 17:56 GMT
4 min read

Man Utd target Trippier goes second in La Liga for assists — © ProShots

Manchester United are only a few days into the January transfer window but it seems as though they may have already missed out on a key transfer target.

Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier is widely reported to be on the cusp of a move to Newcastle United, with a deal apparently all but signed and agreed.

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The Old Trafford side have been heavily linked with a move for Trippier for a number of years now but will likely have to draw a line under that pursuit and consider new options in the weeks ahead.

Here are three young, better and perhaps even cheaper alternatives for Man Utd if they are keen on upgrading their options at right-back.

The Trippier fee is not necessarily 'low' or a bargain. The total package (including add ons) will get Atletico Madrid virtually all his release clause amount. #NUFC will end up paying close to 30m Euros. It's a big outlay for a statement signing. Deal is pretty much there now.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 4, 2022

Max Aarons

One player that has been routinely linked with a move to Man Utd and would certainly be a better option than Trippier is none other than Norwich right-back Max Aarons.

Last season the young English defender bagged no less than two goals and five assists in the Championship and while he’s only managed one assist in 17 top-flight games, he certainly hasn’t looked out of place in the Premier League.

Aarons wouldn’t perhaps be a ready-made upgrade on what Man Utd have at right-back but at 21 years of age, he’s got the potential to one day be much better.

© ProShots - Aarons has done a good job making the step up to the Premier League

Jeremie Frimpong

After making his name at Celtic over the course of a few successful seasons in the Scottish Premiership, Jeremie Frimpong made the move to Bayer Leverkusen in January and has done nothing but thrive in the Bundesliga.

So far this season the Dutch defender has picked up two goals and six assists in one of the most dynamic and attacking teams in the German top-flight this season. Frimpong has pace to burn and is exceptionally technically gifted.

While he may have once been a Manchester City player, there’s little doubt that Man Utd fans would be able to look past that if he started lighting up the wings at Old Trafford.

© ProShots - Lamptey has gone from strength to strength since leaving Chelsea

Tariq Lamptey

Unlike the aforementioned pair of defenders, Tariq Lamptey has only just recovered from a hamstring injury and hasn’t played a huge amount of football this season.

However, while the Brighton & Hove Albion talent has only made around 30 appearances in the Premier League, he’s already shown a remarkable ability to defend and attack with astounding success in the top flight.

To date, Lamptey has already picked up five assists in 29 Premier League appearances and should he make the move to Man Utd he’d certainly add to that with an impressive degree of regularity.